Outstanding directors awards.

• Author: Stewart, Heather

A board of directors is an invaluable institution. A properly created board is filled with senior business executives or community leaders who can provide a wide-ranging perspective gained from years of work in other companies and industries. This year we honor three directors who have left a large imprint on the organizations they serve. These leaders set the standard for ethics, for fiduciary responsibility and for strategic planning--and these values have permeated their organizations.

Jon Huntsman leveraged his personal fortune and his corporate prowess to bring to life a leading-edge cancer care and research facility. Now, as chairman of the Huntsman Cancer Institute, he ensures that his vision is fulfilled and the important work continues.

Jerry Atkin has contributed two decades of service to Zions Bancorporation, providing valuable financial and governance acumen to the local powerhouse. And David Winder, with a breadth of experience as a director for more than 30 organizations during his lengthy career, helped privately held Alsco, Inc. bring its governance practices to the next level.

Utah Business applauds these directors in appreciation for their extensive service to the shareholders, executives, employees and clients of dozens of Utah businesses and nonprofit organizations.

SERVICE TO A PUBLIC COMPANY

Jerry C. Atkin

Executive Committee Member, Zions Bancorporation

This year marks two decades of service on the Zions Bancorporation board of directors for Jerry C. Atkin, chairman and CEO of SkyWest, Inc. While Atkin has witnessed several changes in the banking industry over that time, the past few years have been particularly difficult for banks. The Great Recession dealt a severe blow to the financial industry, and the ensuing political and regulatory environment made recovery that much harder.

Harris Simmons, chairman, president and CEO of Zions Bancorporation, says Atkin was a tremendously calming influence during the economic freefall. "He's focused on the objective. Especially the last five years, which has been a tumultuous time in our economy and certainly in our industry, with all kinds of new laws and regulations and requirements ... he is calm and he is confident, and he gets to the heart of the matter and understands what's important and what's not," says Simmons. "And he does it in a way that leaves the management team knowing they have a lot of support--but also understanding where you have to improve, sometimes."

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Atkin's background and experience makes him particularly suited to serve as a director for Zions Bancorporation. He practiced as...